Camp Hope in Rhode Island

August 19 - 24, 2012

At Camp Hope in North Scituate, RI, all campers’ medical needs can be met by a full-time nurse, and a pediatric oncologist on call at all times. Here are details about the camp:

Where is Camp Hope located?

Accommodations for Camp Hope are provided by Camp Aldersgate in North Scituate, RI. The 300–acre site is home to woodlands, a waterfront with a sandy beach, playing fields, and a ropes course.

When is it held?

Camp Hope takes place August 19 - 24, 2012. A winter weekend retreat will be held in 2013.  

You may download the application packet, as well as the sibling application.

Who can attend?

Children with cancer ages 7 to 17 and their siblings. Rhode Island children are given preference but out-of-state children are also encouraged to apply. All campers participate with the approval of their physicians.

How long has it been operating?

Camp Hope opened in 1986 with just 19 campers. Today, for one week every August and one weekend every January, it houses more than 75 children with cancer and their siblings. 

What can campers expect?

Lodging at Camp Aldersgate (where Camp Hope is located) includes a heated retreat center and rustic waterfront cabins. Meals are served, and many songs sung, in a communal dining hall. Arts and crafts, fishing, canoeing, dance parties, ropes courses, and an overnight camp-out are just part of the fun. A high level of attention to individual needs is assured.

What does Camp Hope cost?

Thanks to the kindness of individuals, organizations, and corporations, we are able to offer this one-week camp at no charge to families. Donations are always needed and are gratefully accepted.

How do I make a donation to the camp

Donations of any amount are most appreciated. Its costs us $1,300 a week for each child; $650 for half a week. Checks, made out to the American Cancer Society (write Camp Hope in the memo line), may be sent to:

• American Cancer Society
• 931 Jefferson Boulevard
• Suite 3004
• Warwick, RI 02886

Is there medical care available?

Absolutely! pediatric nurse is on site to administer daily medications, and a pediatric oncologist is on call at all times. 

Who are the staff?

A special dedicated group of volunteers support Camp Hope. They include committee members, program staff, medical personnel, and counselors. Program staff ensures that all the Camp Hope activities are tailored to age groups and meet any individual needs. A nurse is available 24 hours a day. Through staff orientation sessions, counselors become familiar with different types of cancer and the disease as it relates to participation in activities, learn to develop positive and reasonable expectations of each camper’s abilities, and help the campers to participate in all activities adapting to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Counselors must be at least 18 years old and have demonstrated experience with youth.

Is this camp accredited?

Yes, Camp Hope, which has been operating since 1986, is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Does the American Cancer Society operate any other camps in New England?

Yes, Camp Rainbow in Ellsworth, Maine, and Camp Rising Sun, in Colebrook, CT. Camp Rainbow in Maine is held at the YMCA’s Camp Jordan on Branch Lake the fourth week of June, beginning on a Sunday. Children ages 4 through high school who have been diagnosed with cancer, and their siblings, are welcome. Camp Rising Sun in Connecticut, located at YMCA Camp Jewell, is held during the third week of August, also beginning on Sunday. Children ages 6 to 17 who have been diagnosed with cancer can attend. Thanks to many generous supporters, all three of our camping programs are offered free of charge.

Why does the American Cancer Society operate camps?

We believe the camp experience allows children to see they are not alone in their cancer struggle and provides support, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships for everyone involved. Campers are truly in a peer group—with other children experiencing the same life-threatening disease and side effects. Some of their counselors have survived childhood cancer. This equal footing lessens their self-consciousness and fear of ridicule, allowing them to participate fully in their activities.

Questions? Want to register your child?

Call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 any time, day or night, or call the American Cancer Society office in Warwick directly, during normal business hours, at 401.243.2600.